Farrell hoping summer success transfers over with England

Owen Farrell came off the bench in the third and decisive Test to make his British & Irish Lions debut

Inpho

Owen Farrell admits the memories of a successful summer with the British & Irish Lions will be fresh in his memory when he steps back out onto the international stage.

The 22-year-old looks set to start in the Red Rose No.10 jersey on Saturday after being retained in Stuart Lancaster's matchday 23 for England's clash with Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

If he is given the nod it will be Farrell's first international run out since he helped the British & Irish Lions to a 2-1 series victory against the Qantas Wallabies - coming off the bench in decisive third Test.

And as the Saracens star looks to get one over the same opposition again this weekend, he insists the adventure Down Under has made him better prepared to transfer the success over into an England shirt.

"You have to use the experiences of the summer, it was an unbelievable experience and one that I learned a lot from," he said.

"So you have to dip into that and make sure that you keep using it.

"I think I learned most about what happens off the field. A lot of people do a lot on the field and stay behind after training and you see why these players are so good.

"But having watched some of the players that have been at the top for so long [with the Lions] it is not just about that work that goes on the field but about what goes on off it too, dragging people up around you and making them realise as well.

"It is a big challenge, Australia have been playing very well and have been together for a long time this year.

"We will have to get up to speed quickly and make sure we are as prepared as we can be for this Test on Saturday."

In the fifth of a series of interviews, British & Irish Lions fans reminisce on their favourite tour memories. Here Colin Moffitt recounts his trip to Australia for the triumphant 2013 tour against the Wallabies.

Victory on a British & Irish Lions tour, alongside some memorable performances in the red of Wales, has seen Mike Phillips follow in the footsteps of legendary compatriots like JPR Williams and Phil Bennett - and it is a legacy he may have been destined to join since his junior days at Whitland RFC.

In the fourth of a series of interviews, British & Irish Lions fans reminisce on their favourite tour memories. Here Norman Roberts - father of Lions centre Jamie Roberts - recounts his trips to South Africa and Australia.

There is nothing quite like being on Tour! The buzz and atmosphere generated on a Lions Tour is memorable. Here's what some of the travelling fans thought of their trip to Australia in 2013. Secure your place for New Zealand 2017 at www.lionstour.com

Ryan Grant displayed some impressive singing skills while on tour with the British & Irish Lions. The full release of Lions Raw will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray from October 28th. Pre-order on Amazon.